Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, currently visiting Britain, held in London Monday discussions with members of the Foreign Committee in the British Parliament.

President Assad called for “constructive and serious” dialogue among civilizations, and noted that Syria is considered to be an example of coexistence among religions and races as the "cradle of civilization".

President Assad reiterated his country’s search for just and comprehensive peace.

According to the official Syrian Arab News Agency, the British parliament members expressed appreciation for Syria's constructive role in dealing with all “hot issues” in the Middle East, especially with regard to Iraq and the occupied Palestinian territories as well as challenges facing the world, due to the proliferation of terrorism.

Meanwhile, earlier that day, the Syrian President visited a London hospital, where he had pursued his post graduate specialization in ophthalmology.

Later on, President Assad received a phone call from Spanish Prime Minister, Hose Aznar. According to SANA, the two discussed the Iraqi issue, conditions in the occupied Palestinian territories and terrorism.

For his part, President Assad stressed the necessity for the UN inspectors to pursue their efforts with no interference as to accomplish their mission in Iraq, so as to “drive war away from Iraq”, SANA added.

Moreover, the Syrian leader underlined the need for defining the identity of a Palestinian state on the bases of related United Nations Security Council resolutions.

Premier Aznar, for his part, stressed Damascus’ pivotal role regarding the aforesaid three issues as well as the importance of continued consultation between Syria and Spain in this regard, SANA concluded. (Albawaba.com)